A 78-year-old man died after a rare Acanthamoeba infection spread through his body and caused black lesions, deep ulcers and severe facial damage over 6 months, according to the case report. [1]
The man developed black lesions and deep ulcers that worsened over time, including a destroyed left eyelid and a hole between his mouth and nasal cavity. The infection was caused by Acanthamoeba, a free-living amoeba found in places including tap water. [1]
Doctors said the patient was not immunocompromised and did not have the usual risk factors linked to serious Acanthamoeba disease, such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, diabetes or immunosuppressive drugs. The infection is rare and usually strikes people with weakened immune systems, often causing eye, brain, wound or sinus infections. [1]
The man was transferred to a Yale School of Medicine hospital, where doctors identified the cause, but by then it was too late for effective treatment. [1]
Acanthamoeba and related amoebas have been found in more than 50% of US tap water samples, the report said. [1]
The case adds to the limited record of severe Acanthamoeba infections in people without known immune problems. [1]
